2)   Go Ahead, Feed Your Face

It doesn’t take a genius to understand that when we’re healthy on the inside, it shows on the outside. Often times we rely on cosmetic products and procedures to help us look and feel our best, but the truth is, healthy skin starts from within. Collagen, the structural protein that holds our skin together, plays a significant role in the appearance of our skin. As we age, the production of collagen begins to slowly decrease; resulting in unwanted fine lines and wrinkles. With that said, you’re probably wondering how we can defy this process and replenish our collagen levels?  While skin care procedures and cosmetic products can work very well for most, the truth is…there’s no quick fix.  However, by nourishing your body with the right foods you stand a much better chance of retaining some of your natural, youthful glow. Here is a list of foods that may help to retain and even boost collagen levels:

• Fish is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids that protect the skin cells.
•  Soy promotes collagen production and helps to block enzymes that can age the skin (ex. soymilk, tofu).
•  Red vegetables contain lycopene, a natural form of SPF that protects the skin from damage (ex. tomatoes, beets).
•  Citrus fruits and green vegetables that contain vitamin C can increase collagen production (ex. oranges, lemons, spinach, kale).
•  White tea helps support cell structure.
•  Orange vegetables that contain vitamin A can help restore damaged collagen (ex. carrots, sweet potatoes).

FDA has notified health care professionals and warned consumers not to use skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps or lotions that might contain the toxic metal mercury. These products, found in at least seven states, claim to be skin lighteners and anti-aging treatments that remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. Adolescents may use them to treat acne. They are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the United States—often in shops in Latino, Asian, African or Middle Eastern neighborhoods, and online—or brought to the U.S. from other countries. FDA and state health officials have found more than 35 products containing unacceptable levels of mercury.

Risk: Mercury poisoning can cause damage to the kidneys and the nervous system, and interfere with brain development in unborn children and very young children.

Recommendations

• Check the label of any skin lightening, anti-aging, or other skin product. If there is no label or no ingredients listed, do not use the product.
• Do not use—or immediately stop using—products that list these ingredients: mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio or mercury.
• Thoroughly wash hands and any other body parts that have come in contact with the product.
• Contact a health care professional or medical clinic for advice.

For more information

• Consumer Update: Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products